News releases

Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Opens in Covington, La.

Covington, La. | July 28, 2009

The new 70-room Country Inn & Suites By Carlson® Covington today announced it is open for business at 130
Holiday Boulevard.

"We're very excited to bring the Country Inns & Suites By Carlson concept to this region," said
Steve Mogck, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Country Inns & Suites By Carlson. "All
employees will participate in our 'Be Our Guest' service training program, to ensure consistent delivery of
quality customer service at our hotels."

"This hotel is a wonderful addition to our community. We are confident that this recognized brand and lodging
concept will help us grow and prosper in the future," said Sanjiv Chauhan, general manager of the Country Inn
& Suites By Carlson Covington. The owner of the hotel is JJ Hospitality Group, LLC.

The 100 percent non-smoking hotel features an outdoor heated pool and fitness center with two treadmills, elliptical
machine and freedom trainer. Other amenities include a complimentary hot breakfast and flexible meeting space perfect
for small business meetings or social gatherings. The hotel offers a variety of guest room styles including standard
rooms, studio suites and one bedroom suites. All rooms feature complimentary wired and wireless high-speed Internet
access, hair dryer, 32-inch LCD television, microwave and refrigerator.

Conveniently located on the north side of beautiful Lake Pontchartrain close to the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, the
hotel is just 30 miles from New Orleans. The hotel is also close to UCM Museum, Fontainebleau State Park, historic
downtown Covington and the Magnolia Belle Riverboat.

Country Inns & Suites By Carlson offer amenities such as complimentary hot breakfast, in-room coffee maker,
in-room iron and ironing board, and weekday morning newspaper. Country Inns & Suites By Carlson embraces the love
of reading through its Read It & Return Lending Library. A variety of titles for all ages are available for guests
to borrow and read at their leisure at more than 465 locations in the U.S. and Canada and the brand supports literacy
efforts through charitable donations. For reservations and information, visit www.countryinns.com or call toll-free
1-800-456-4000.